Two Truths and a Lie About Being Self-Employed

Sometimes truth can be as surprising as fiction. Like the time we played two truths and a lie in the “Table of Contents” restaurant at the divine bit of heaven known as the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport, Oregon. The entire table (of people we had never met) was absolutely convinced my lie was that my father was principle of my high school (while I was attending it).

Buzz – Wrong! That was the truth (and a story for another time…)

Being self-employed is a bit like that. Plot twists at every corner.

Here’s my twist on the game from the perspective of being in business for nine years (full-time) and four years of side-hustle.

Being Your Own Boss Can Be A Great Way to Design Your Life YOUR Way

When you call all the shots, you get to choose. That means you have decisions to make all day long every day about everything from how you price your services to where you will focus your attention for the next hour to get the greatest return.

You get to choose:

When you work

Where you work

How much you work

What work you do (or don’t do)

Who you work with

How you work

When you play

How often you play

Your earning potential and financial security

And more…

In the process you go through the biggest baptism by fire, hero’s journey, and personal/spiritual/mental/emotional growth spurt you never imagined. You just thought you were becoming part of the YOU economy because it sounded hip. Little did you know…

Without knowledge and wisdom, autonomy and support, self-directedness and mentorship, you will struggle, steer your ship into an iceberg, or generally drive yourself mad.

So don’t do that. Instead be up for the adventure, find a trusted guide and know this is one of the most meaningful, satisfying, and worthwhile adventures you can ever take.

You Can Be Authentically You and Succeed

Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, loud or quiet, outgoing or shy, you can succeed at self-employment. In fact whether you are quirky as a three-dollar bill or conservative as a dark suit at a parade, you deserve to let your freak flag fly.

Don’t deny who you are. Embrace all the imperfect, messy, brilliant, and irreplaceable parts that make you who you are. When you’re running the show you have no one’s mold to fit into but the one you want.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Embrace all the imperfect, messy, brilliant, and irreplaceable parts that make you who you are. ” quote=”Embrace all the imperfect, messy, brilliant, and irreplaceable parts that make you who you are. “]

There are hundreds if not thousands of businesses offering what you offer and what makes you different is… YOU. People want to do business with other people that they know, like, and trust. It’s as simple as that.

Do not try to be like anyone else.

Do not compare yourself to anyone else.

Do not attempt to cookie-cutter anyone else’s system

Be an original. Adapt what you learn from others and make it your own.

Be willing. Be vulnerable. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Even the tried and true strategies and ways of doing business that work must be fired in the kiln of your own uniqueness if they are to work for your business. Otherwise it could be the most kick-ass tactic in the world but you won’t be able to get it to work no matter how long or hard you try (trust me on this one!).

When you are self-employed you get to create your business and way of being in the world unapologetically your own.

All You Need are a Few Clients, Your Bunny Slippers, and a Facebook Page to Start Earning Six Figures in a Few Short Weeks

You were studying to be a coach/consultant/wellness practitioner/<fill in the blank> and were taught if you have 15 clients paying you $800/month you only need to work 30 hours a month and you’ll make over six figures.

Saahh-weet!

How. Easy. Is. THAT!

You’re good at what you do. You just know that people need what you offer. The math works out. You’re set!

Soon you’ll be sipping sangria on the sandy shores of Sardinia!

[clickToTweet tweet=”All You Need are Ten Clients,Bunny Slippers, Facebook & You’ll Earn Six Figures in a Few Short Weeks” quote=”All You Need are Ten Clients,Bunny Slippers, Facebook & You’ll Earn Six Figures in a Few Short Weeks”]

Can you tell this is the LIE in our little game here?

It’s a lie because it is a widespread myth that this is all it takes to be successful. Everything will happen magically – poof!

Yes there is magic, intuition, and luck in business. However, it can only manifest when you take consistent and sufficient action to create conditions ripe for it to grace your presence. Those conditions require that you work your butt off and learn the business of doing business. It’s not the sexy part, but it is the foundation. You are in sales and marketing whether you like it or not (even if it makes your aura hurt). Numbers matter (even if you’re not a numbers person).

Create Your Own Truth

Did you have fun playing along? I hope this fun look at self-employment has you thinking about what’s working/what’s not for where you are in your business journey.

Remember that the mother of all truths no matter where you are in your business or life is that you get to create your own truth.

Now get out there and make sure you are doing just that (course corrections are both encouraged and allowed)!